Let's Take a Day Trip

I still remember it like it was yesterday, even though it happened a few months ago. I had flown out to California for a quick weekend getaway. As soon as I landed at San Francisco International Airport, my friend Jordan picked me up and asked the most important post-flight question: “Where do you want to eat?”

I wasn’t sure at first. Jordan and I have pretty different diets, and I didn’t want to complicate things. He suggested we check out a place called BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse. I had never heard of it, but once I saw they had chicken wings, I was sold.

Over dinner, Jordan mentioned a dessert called a “Pizookie.” I had no idea what that was, but he insisted I try one. He ordered it for me, and the rest is dessert history. Warm, gooey, and topped with cold ice cream, that Pizookie was easily the best dessert I’ve ever had.

Fast forward a few months later: I’m back home in the Chicagoland area, casually browsing flights to California for another short trip. I love getting pedicures there, but now I also wanted another Pizookie. Then I paused. Why was I looking at plane tickets when I hadn’t even checked to see if there’s a BJ’s near me?

To my surprise, there is one — in Orland Park, just a short drive from where I live. Even better, I discovered there are several other locations along Lake Michigan: in Milwaukee, Grand Rapids, Northwest Indiana, and, of course, the one right here in Illinois.

I didn’t waste time. I went to the Orland Park location and ordered another Pizookie, this time with just ice cream and strawberry syrup. Let me tell you, it was to die for! The soft texture of the warm cookie paired with the cold ice cream and the sweet-but-not-too-sweet syrup? Absolute perfection! I’d give it a solid 10 out of 10.

I’m watching my weight these days, so I probably won’t indulge too often—maybe every couple of months. But if you’re craving a truly satisfying dessert, the Pizookie is the one.

BJ’s also has some great deals. For $13, you can get a full meal and a free Pizookie. They offer options like southern fried chicken, a mini deep-dish pizza and salad combo, and a Mediterranean chicken bowl. If you’re just craving dessert, go on a Tuesday—Pizookies are only $5 then. They also have daily specials, including a Thursday promotion where you get a Pizookie with your meal.

Even though I now have easy access to one here in Illinois, I still plan to stop by a BJ’s next time I’m in Southern California—just to see if the vibe is the same. But one thing’s for sure: I’m a Pizookie fan for life!